Driving change: UN and Kazakhstan business join forces towards sustainable development

On 28 November the panel discussion "Kazakhstan Business for Sustainable Development" organised by the UN Resident Coordinator Office in Kazakhstan aimed to enlighten the business community about the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Kazakhstan's strides in reaching them, and to enhance the UN's collaboration with the business sector in championing the sustainable development. Notable attendees included Vice-Minister of National Economy of Kazakhstan Abzal Abdikarimov and Hepsiburada Group's General Manager Emin Imer, alongside over 60 representatives from Kazakh government agencies, the business community, UN partners, and Global Compact members such as Samruk-Kazyna, Baiterek JSC, NC Kazakhstan Temir Zholy JSC, Kazpost JSC, NC KazakhExport, Halyk Bank, CenterCredit Bank, Jusan Bank, Freedom Finance, and others.

The insufficient role of business in achieving the SDGs is one of the reasons why the gap between what humanity planned to achieve by 2030 and the current level of achievements is still quite large. Already now, many experts argue that without acceleration of efforts, many of the Goals will not be achieved. According to the SDG Index, Kazakhstan ranks 66th out of 166 countries in achieving the SDGs.

During the event, Michaela Friberg-Storey, UN Resident Coordinator in Kazakhstan, emphasized: "Our collaboration with UN Global Compact in Kazakhstan has been exceptional, and today's gathering is another testament to that. We are fortunate to have a diverse array of individuals and organizations who grasp that sustainable development is not merely a moral obligation but a strategic advantage. Sustainable business practices are no longer a choice, they are a necessity, a path towards resilience, competitiveness, and long-term success".

The UN has moved away from donation-based partnerships to building more strategic business relationships. Business plays a crucial role in driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, stimulating innovation to address social challenges and actively participating in the fight against climate change. Today 52 companies from Kazakhstan are members of the UN Global Compact.

Government, media, civil society, the private sector, youth and other stakeholders, all have a key role in the implementation of the SDGs. The event participants highlighted the global impact of the SDGs and how achieving these goals can lead to a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous world for all. Participants acknowledged that the private sector has a critical role to play in achieving the SDGs.